I was looking at a 1954 Izhevsk SKS that is for sale. It has not been refurbed (still has it's hardwood stock and the bolt carrier is still in the white), but the handguard is laminated. Is this normal or was this a replacement done either while still in military service or sometime over here. My mi...

Here we go. It does look like there was a small crack starting to form. http://i.imgur.com/Ze10tmH.jpg Brian Dick of EFD rifles suggested that this rifle had seen service in Greece (based on a 46' FTR stamp on the collar). I also spotted a very similar LB No. 4 that has Greek militia markings. http...